As humans drift toward a more holistic and natural approach to health and wellness, herbal tinctures grab some of the spotlights. And as stress becomes a bigger concern for so many, Ready Nutrition’s “California Chill” can provide some much-needed calm in our ever stressful lives.

As humans drift toward a more holistic and natural approach to health and wellness, herbal tinctures grab some of the spotlights. And as stress becomes a bigger concern for so many, Ready Nutrition’s “California Chill” can provide some much-needed calm in our ever stressful lives.

Herbal tinctures have increased in popularity lately due to their effectiveness and natural, homeopathic approach to wellness. Tinctures are a concentrated liquid form of one or more herbs and made by soaking parts of an herb for several weeks in alcohol or vinegar to draw out concentrated levels of the active medicinal properties of the herb. Alcohol is often the liquid of choice, though, as it can extract components, such as resins and alkaloids, that are not water-soluble. And Ready Nutrition’s California Chill is made in the same manner.

The herb in California Chill is the California poppy or, Eschscholzia californica. Well known for its beautiful orange color, the California poppy is native to California and other places on the West Coast where water is readily available. California poppy seeds, which will germinate after the first fall rains, are very easy to grow, as they only need to be sown no more than about a quarter-inch deep in the fall or early spring (in mild, wet winter climates).

Regarded as a highly effective stress reducer, bringing calmness and serenity to its users. The California poppy, which is also the state flower of the Golden State, is used for supporting those who have problems sleeping, such as problems sleeping, aches, nervous agitation, and temporary anxiety. It is also used to promote relaxation and is stress reducing. The main chemical components of the California poppy can cause sleepiness and aid with depression.

The major health properties of this herb are sedative, analgesic, and antispasmodic in action.

The main active ingredients in the California poppy are alkaloids such as chelirubine, sanguinarine, and macarpine. There are other alkaloids present, although they minor by comparison. This herb has a natural and gentle effect on the human body. And don’t worry – while the California poppy herb contains some alkaloids that act as sedatives, it does not contain any opium and is only distantly related to the opium poppy. Further, California Chill Organic Herbal Tincture is made with a non-narcotic natural sedative that is non-addictive and not habit forming

When it’s made as a tincture, such as Ready Nutrition’s California Chill, the California poppy herb is also widely used for its antimicrobial properties when applied externally to cuts and scrapes and other inflammatory skin ailments.

Herbal tinctures are incredibly easy to use too! Simply take one or two dropper fulls every four to six hours, or take as needed. Drop desired amount into warm water, tea, or your favorite beverage.

The California poppy and Ready Nutrition’s California Chill are fairly safe to use. The plant itself is also considered child safe and based on normal intake levels there are no known side effects from using this herb in either powder form or a tincture. However, the use of the California poppy is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any disease or ailment. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the creation or use of herbal tinctures. A person should speak to their doctor before using a tincture or any other herbal supplement, especially if they take medications.

This article was originally published at Ready Nutrition™ on April 16th, 2019